Probably because it's so extremely different-looking than any other windsurfing gear on the planet, especially back when Formula first appeared. I'll never forget laughing out loud at this damn-near circular board bag lying on the floor in Jim Ballantine's Hood River Sail World. I was certain it was a joke, and still thought it was in jest as he (or his subsequent shop manager; it was to long ago to remember) showed me the board it was made for. It took him a minute to persuade me that it was actually intended for something similar to windsurfing, but when he showed me its fin I KNEW he was pulling my leg. Twice since that day in the '90s, I've seen Formula boards actually on the water, so I'm finally convinced in person that he was serious. But Formula gear still strikes guys to whom 90 liters and 23 inches is a big board as a sailboat that happens to have an articulated mast base.

It's nothing personal; it's just a matter of perspective.

Last edited by isobars on Thu Oct 25, 2012 4:15 pm; edited 1 time in total

Yes very nice to see a formula board used in such casual ways. Reminds me of the redwood city harbor video recently. I should try one next season. I'm just a little worried, in the SF bay even in marginal <15 winds the chop is much much bigger than on your videos > heel-catches/catapults?

Also, on your second video in the most marginal wind, you could probably use the top clew grommet for more sail power and a tighter leech.

But Formula gear still strikes guys to whom 90 liters and 23 inches is a big board as a sailboat that happens to have an articulated mast base.

Unfortunately, most inland sailors aren't so lucky to get as many 90L days.
Formula's can really help with a busy schedule, family duties, and wind tantrums. I have seen many many windsurfers turn out beautiful sessions because of the lack of wind while it was perfectly planable on formula gear.

NickB wrote:

the chop is much much bigger than on your videos

The chop is quite large at McConaughy on the 7.0 video, but the camera makes it look so small because of the fish eye effect. Some rollers can reach 3-4' even in this little wind. I tried to jump one at some point of the video, yeah, won't be doing that again soon It's just so hard to clear the fin!

NickB wrote:

heel-catches/catapults?

That's never been a concern, when the heels catch they create drag and make the board slow down but not enough to actually cause a catapult. I don't go really deep downwind on the formula gear and don't remember being catapulted with it.

NickB wrote:

Also, on your second video in the most marginal wind, you could probably use the top clew grommet for more sail power and a tighter leech.

Agreed, except that we never know what's gonna happen in Colorado, because it's such a large sail for me, I generally get it really tight and only play with the outhaul. I've been able to handle gusts in the mid 20's with the Formula + 9.2, that's the most I can do.

But Formula gear still strikes guys to whom 90 liters and 23 inches is a big board as a sailboat that happens to have an articulated mast base.

Unfortunately, most inland sailors aren't so lucky to get as many 90L days.
Formula's can really help with a busy schedule, family duties, and wind tantrums. I have seen many many windsurfers turn out beautiful sessions because of the lack of wind while it was perfectly planable on formula gear.

But Formula gear still strikes guys to whom 90 liters and 23 inches is a big board as a sailboat that happens to have an articulated mast base.

Unfortunately, most inland sailors aren't so lucky to get as many 90L days.
Formula's can really help with a busy schedule, family duties, and wind tantrums. I have seen many many windsurfers turn out beautiful sessions because of the lack of wind while it was perfectly planable on formula gear.

Nobody's disputing that.

So, you can understand what >>turn out << means in this context, Isobars? I can't.

But Formula gear still strikes guys to whom 90 liters and 23 inches is a big board as a sailboat that happens to have an articulated mast base.

Unfortunately, most inland sailors aren't so lucky to get as many 90L days.
Formula's can really help with a busy schedule, family duties, and wind tantrums. I have seen many many windsurfers turn down beautiful sessions because of the lack of wind while it was perfectly planable on formula gear.

Nobody's disputing that.

So, you can understand what >>turn out << means in this context, Isobars? I can't.

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